Of video games and great visuals

The movie "Ready Player One" is set in a dystopian future.

In the year 2045, much of the world is left in ruins and by that time humanity has accepted the fact that it would not be able to change this. As an escape from this harsh reality, everyone spends their time inside the virtual reality software, OASIS. The place is named so because inside the place you can be anyone you want to be, do anything you want to do, and go anywhere you want to go.

After the death of one of the co-founders, it is announced that in the game there is an Easter egg hidden inside a door which requires 3 keys to open. These keys are scattered all around the virtual universe and the person finding the egg would receive full ownership and control of the OASIS.

The plot revolves around a teenager, Wade Watts, and his group of friends and their race to find the keys before the evil video game conglomerate Innovative Online Industries (IOI) finds them. The premise of the movie is what attracted me to watch it in the first place. Each of the challenges to find the keys is set in equally stunning worlds; the visuals are impeccable. Also, did I mention Steven Spielberg directed it? For a lot of people, that alone would be reason enough to go watch the movie.

The movie is based on Ernest Cline's novel of the same name and like all movie adaptations there are some changes. Whether these changes are good or not is a matter of perspective. Also, however impressive the visual aspects of the movie are, for me it seemed that the story moved a bit too fast and as a result failed to truly engross me. There happened to be a few plot holes created due to the fast story line. The characters were also one-dimensional. For movie goers who love action-packed movies filled with excitement, this should not be much of a problem for this is basically what the movie is: a big rush of adrenaline.

If you love video games, this is a must watch. Spielberg has beautifully captured the world of virtual reality making you wish you could be a part of it. Did I have a good time watching the movie? I sure did. Would I watch it again? Most probably not.

Tasnim Odrika is having an existential crisis at the moment and doesn't really know who she is anymore. Send her compliments at odrika_02@yahoo.com